Apple’s new Mac Mini doesn’t look much different from its predecessor, and it’s more expensive. Yet the changes under the hood make a case for its consideration as your new Mac. Connect your Mac mini to other devices. If the cable from your external display, hard drive, or other device doesn't connect to the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports on your Mac mini, you might need an adapter. Find the right adapter. Load more results. Apple Footer Apple Support. The future is now! Apple’s once-neglected Mac mini is coming in hot with a brand new, cutting edge, long awaited processor upgrade? And a couple more ports? There has to be more, and we know how to find it—time for a teardown! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to keep up with the latest teardown updates.
Apple Mac Mini (2018)
“The Mac Mini is the best value in the entire Mac line.”
- Compact, simple design
- Very quiet
- Excellent processor performance
- Best-in-class hard drive performance
- Terrible game performance
- MacOS updates are lackluster
Believe it or not, Apple’s Mac Mini is 13 years old, making it the second oldest product line still in Apple’s portfolio. It even outdates the MacBook Pro, which didn’t appear until 2006.
Unlike the MacBook Pro, however, the Mini was neglected. A quick updated followed the original, but the third-gen didn’t appear until 2010. Apple has sold the same design for eight years and didn’t update the internals for four (since 2014). That left budget Mac fans settling for old hardware.
Now, we’re finally seeing the fourth design. The new Mini, with the latest Intel chip, fixes that problem. Yet it’s no charity. Mac fans must pay at least $800 — $300 more than the previous entry. It’s not an outrageous price, but it bumps the Mac Mini into competition with a different league of hardware. Is the Mini still the perfect gateway drug for would-be Apple addicts?
Blink, and you’ll miss it
Though the 2018 Mac Mini is a redesign, it doesn’t throw out the previous look. It’s still a thin, slab of metal, sitting on a round rubber base that’s invisible when the desktop is in use. The front and sides are almost entirely flat, broken only by the Apple logo on the top and a tiny, tiny LED on the lower right corner. Even the power button is around back, where it joins the ports.
It’s the same size in every dimension as before, and nearly the same weight at 2.9 pounds. The color has changed, however. Previously available only in silver, the new model only ships in Space Gray. It’s a simple way to tell the two apart and helps the 2018 Mac Mini fit in with other modern Apple devices where silver, though often available, is no longer the most fashionable choice.
If Apple could ship a desktop with a cloaking device, it would, but the Mini is the next best thing.
There’s not much else to say, really, and that’s the point. If Apple could ship a desktop with a cloaking device, it would, but the Mini’s subtle elegance is the next best thing. It’s built to be ignored.
That said, the Mac Mini doesn’t feel as small as it once did. Intel’s Hades Canyon NUC is about the same size (though more rectangular), yet it comes with a discrete graphics chip. Intel NUC models with integrated graphics are a bit more than four inches on a side and one to two inches thick, depending on the model. Asus, Zotac, and MSI make a variety of small desktops that beat the Mac Mini on size – though not all have eighth-generation Intel processors.
Size isn’t the only reason why a Mac Mini can fade into its surroundings. Noise is at an absolute minimum. The fan only ramps up to a noticeable level during heavy workloads and, even then, it’s a whisper. We can’t remember the last time we tested a desktop this quiet.
Thunderbolt 3 is in, but it’s not all-in
Connectivity separates the new Mac Mini from the old model, and every PC competitor. Turn it around, and you’ll find three Thunderbolt 3 ports, two USB 3 ports, Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The reliance on Thunderbolt 3 is very Apple. It’s also a bit absurd. Thunderbolt 3 remains the connection of premium devices, so four such ports on an affordable desktop is strange. Intel’s NUC devices offer more USB-A 3.0 ports but, in recent models, pair them with a single Thunderbolt 3. We think that’s a better balance.
We’re not too annoyed, though. Unlike MacBooks, the Mac Mini places Thunderbolt 3 alongside a reasonable selection of alternatives. There’s USB-A 3.0 for mouse and keyboard as well as HDMI 2.0 for use with a monitor or HDTV. Most Mac Mini devices will be paired with only a small handful of peripherals, so the connectivity here is more than adequate.
You could upgrade the RAM, but you won’t want to try
Apple doesn’t care much for user upgrades, and the new Mac Mini is no exception. It’s technically possible to upgrade the RAM. You’ll have to pry around the rubber base, however, to even access the screws, and then you’ll have to completely remove the mainboard to remove and replace the RAM. The hard drive isn’t user serviceable.
Most small desktops are hard to upgrade, but some make limited upgrades easier. Intel’s NUC line, which is built with do-it-yourself users in mind, makes hard drive and RAM upgrades as simple as removing the cover.
There’re limits to the benefits of upgrading such components, however. If you want a desktop that you can improve in the future, consider a proper tower PC like the Dell Inspirion 5680.
Look at it go!
The base Mac Mini ships with an Intel Core i3-8100H, which can be upgraded to either a Core i5-8400B or Core i7-8700B. The Core i5 and i7 processors not only have more cores (six, up from four) but also a higher thermal design power. Put another way, the chips are designed with heavier power consumption in mind, and that translates to much better performance in all scenarios.
Our review unit was the $1,100 model with a Core i5-8400B processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB solid state drive. It fared well in our tests.
While the Mac Mini sets no records, the Intel Core i5-8400B’s performance is excellent. Geekbench 4 shows a multi-core score of 20,432. That easily defeats Intel’s Hades Canyon NUC, which hit a score of 16,176. In fact, the Mac Mini trades blows with desktops that pack the Core i7-8700. While it’s possible to buy a Core i7-8700 desktop for a couple hundred less than the Mini, most worthwhile competitors are in the same price range, and they’re often full tower PCs.
While the Mac Mini sets no records, the Core i5-8400B’s performance is excellent
We didn’t test the Mac Mini with a Core i3 processor, but Geekbench 4’s public benchmark log makes a comparison easy. Here, too, the results are favorable for the Core i5 model. Upgrading from Core i3 to Core i5 nets a single-core performance gain of about 12 percent, which isn’t earth-shattering, but the multi-core score rises 50 percent. That’s a difference you’ll notice if you throw even a modestly demanding task at your Mac Mini.
What about the Core i7 model? It’s faster still, but it remains a six-core chip like the Core i5, so the gain is less than 15 percent in multi-core. That’s worthwhile for power users, but the Core i5 is the value sweet spot.
Oh, and here’s a fun fact. Apple hasn’t updated the iMac’s processors yet, so our Core i5-powered Mac Mini defeats most configurations. You’ll have to upgrade to the fastest processor available in the iMac (and we’re talking the iMac here, notthe $5,000 iMac Pro) to beat our Mac Mini in single-core tests, and still the iMac will lose slightly in multi-core tests.
That’s not to say you’d notice a difference in normal use, but it’s impressive given the Mac Mini’s smaller size and more affordable price.
Transfer files in a flash
As is often true of Macs, the hard drive is a stunner, hitting a read speed of 2,753MB/s and a write speed of 1,238MB/s (according to the BlackMagic benchmark). We’ve never tested a comparably priced desktop with hard drive performance on this level, and most are roughly half as quick, at best.
The hard drive is a stunner, hitting a read speed of 2,753MB/s and a write speed of 1,238MB/s
Even the Intel Optane drive in our Hades Canyon NUC review unit achieved a read speed of 1,333MB/s. That isn’t an apples-to-apples comparison, unfortunately, because the benchmark we use to test Windows machines does not support MacOS. Still, the Mac Mini’s storage performance stands out from its peers.
Got game? Take it somewhere else
So far, so good, but the Mac Mini does have one big gap in its performance. Gaming.
All versions of the Mac Mini ship with Intel UHD Graphics 630. No discrete graphics option is available. That means you’re out of luck if you want to play even the least demanding 3D games.
We fired up Rocket League and found that, even at Performance quality settings and 1080p resolution, gameplay wasn’t smooth enough to be enjoyable. Dropping to 1,600 x 900 helped, but the game looked like a PlayStation 3 launch title.
Civilization VI is another game we frequently test, and it was hopeless. We saw an average of 9 frames per second even at 1080p and medium detail. It’s not playable, nevermind enjoyable.
That’s a problem. Gaming is mainstream, but the Mac Mini can’t handle most titles. Many similarly priced desktops come with a discrete graphics card either standard or as an option. Intel’s Hades Canyon NUC is the most notable entry, as it’s even smaller than the Mac Mini but offers enough performance to play any modern title at 1080p and medium detail. Larger desktops, like the Dell Inspiron Gaming line, offer do-it-all punch at the same price as our Mac review unit – though, admittedly, they’re much larger.
MacOS has become a weakness
The new Mac Mini’s $800 price tag is $300 more than the outgoing model, but it’s still the least expensive Mac available. That makes it the go-to for budget buyers. Many people will choose it not because they want the Mac Mini specifically, but because they want MacOS.
Alternatives
That’s not the advantage it used to be, however. Recent MacOS updates have made little difference for the average owner and, in many respects, the operating system has become less attractive over time. It’s still simple to use, but Apple clearly favors iOS, showering it with updates while MacOS sustains itself on a trickle of small quality-of-life improvements.
Apple Mac Manual Guide
Gaming used to be somewhat viable on Mac, but few new PC games bother to port over to the Mac, which is no doubt why Steam’s user survey has shown the Mac’s user share stall at about 2.5 percent. Apple’s Mac App Store isn’t as useful as its iOS peer, and arguably isn’t as trustworthy. And the Mac’s multitasking features have not kept up with Windows 10.
All this means MacOS isn’t as appealing as it used to be. If you prefer it, go for it. Learning a new operating system is a hassle. If you’re a Windows user thinking to switch to MacOS for the operating system, though, think twice. You’ll be signing up for an operating system that’s receiving unimpressive updates and makes up only a small share of Apple’s business. Windows 10 is still a tentpole for Microsoft, however, and that shows in Windows’ quicker update pace and better support from third-party software.
Apple’s Mac Mini is a strong performer in all areas except games. So strong, in fact, that most people won’t have a reason to buy a more powerful Mac. The Mac Mini we tested, with a Core i5 processor, is a simple, intuitive desktop that will satisfy owners for years.
Is there a better alternative?
Intel’s NUC offers better overall performance in a similar form factor, and you can buy off-the-shelf models with an operating system install. They’re even somewhat upgradable. However, their design and features aim the NUC line at hardware geeks.
There’s also a wide variety of small desktops from companies like MSI and Zotac. These too are aimed at enthusiasts, not everyday people who just want a computer that works. Availability can be spotty for these brands, too.
For most people, the real question is this. Do you need a desktop this small? If you do, the Mac Mini is a good bet. If you don’t, a small tower PC like the Dell Inspiron 5680 will do more for your money.
How long will it last?
Modern desktops often last at least five years, and we doubt the Mac Mini will be any different. The standard one-year warranty is nothing special, but the Apple Store offers a superior service experience should you have a problem.
Should you buy it?
Yes. Forget the iMac. The Mac Mini is all the Mac most people need.
Introduction
The future is now! Apple’s once-neglected Mac mini is coming in hot with a brand new, cutting edge, long awaited … processor upgrade? And a couple more ports? There has to be more, and we know how to find it—time for a teardown!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to keep up with the latest teardown updates. Subscribe to our newsletter for teardowns delivered straight to your inbox.
This teardown is not a repair guide. To repair your Mac mini Late 2018, use our service manual.
- This Mac might be mini, but it's packing some big specs. Let's unpack some here:
- 3.6 GHz quad-core Intel Core i3 with 6 MB shared L3 cache
- 8 GB of 2666 MHz DDR4 SO-DIMM memory
- 128 GB SSD
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.0
- macOS Mojave
- Our first look at the 2018 mini's exterior gives us the warm and fuzzies—it's the same friendly form factor we remember.
- Some folks speculated that if Apple ever updated the mini, it'd look something like an Apple TV. Thankfully, Apple didn't succumb to the urge to go thinner and lighter this time—this is no Mac micro.Siri makes its debut on Mac, with new features designed just for the desktop. Your Mac works with iCloud and your Apple devices in smart new ways, and intelligent capabilities make your photos, music, and messaging even more enjoyable.Get things done by asking Siri, the intelligent assistant now on your Mac. Mac os sierra 10.12.3 owners manual.
- Apart from the new color, we also have some new identifiers: model A1993 and EMC 3213.
- Despite controversial departures from a few commonports, Apple has included plenty of them here! We spot two USB-A ports, four USB-C ports, a headphone jack, an ethernet port, and an HDMI port (which isn't available on any other recent Apple product).
- We'll see if any of these ports are modular. The latest MacBook Air certainly got our hopes up!
- We'd like to think we know our way in—but after four years without an update, we're not taking anything about this opening procedure for granted.
- With some trepidation, we point our tools at the 60%-recycled-plastic bottom cover.
- Success! An opening tool takes care of the base, and six quick stabs with the TR6 Torx security driver loosens the familiar antenna plate underneath.
- So far so good. Fingers crossed that this keeps up!
- Just like the last coupletimes we did this, we're greeted first by a single fan standing watch over the mini's insides.
- The fan unscrews with zero fuss, giving us a better view of the mini's depths.
- Theoretically, we just need to unplug these cables from the logic board, and it'll be free to slide right out of the chassis.
- Theoretically.
- It's time to improvise—our handy Mac mini logic board removal tool technically fits in the logic board's screw holes, but it doesn't feel right. We're going to need more leverage.
- Could it be that some good old-fashioned thumb pressing does the trick? It does! A firm push on either side of the blower exhaust is all it takes, and the whole board unclips and slides out.
- As much as we love making great tools, nothing makes us happier than seeing something you can service with no tools at all.
- Who knows, maybe Apple does have a tool to push without endangering those thin exhaust fins, but carefully aimed thumbs works for us!
- With the board out, we're going straight for the RAM. Apple has trapped it in a heavy metal cage—almost as if they don't fully trust modular RAM to behave itself.
- Actually though, we've seen this in iMacs of yore. The shield allows the RAM to operate at high frequency (2666 MHz) with no chance of accidentally interfering with other functions.
- Twirl away four Torx screws, and the cage slides right off. Has RAM replacement ever been easier?
- Sure it has—but, the return to standard SO-DIMM RAM after the bitter disappointment of the 2014 mini's soldered-down chips is a huge win. Upgrade now, or upgrade later—you have a choice again.
- We pop out two SKhynix HMA851S6CJR6N 4 GB DDR4-2666 SDRAM modules, each with four 1 GB H5AN8G6NCJR DDR4 SDRAM ICs.
- Just one connector and two screws sets the little system speaker free.
- iMac and MacBook speakers seem to be getting bigger all the time, but this one looks about the same size as in older Mac minis.
- Beneath the speaker, we find some antenna cables, but unfortunately no modular AirPort card—in what is becoming a trend, these are socketed right to the main board.
- Alas, AirPort cards are just a distant memory now that logic boards have assimilated all wireless functions.
- From here we set to work freeing the heatsink, twirling away Torx screws and exposing the paste-y (soldered) CPU.
- One last screw, and the port cover is free, uncovering .. the ports. As it departs, it takes some antenna hardware with it.
- This mini still holds a lot of silicon—let's take a look!
- 3.6 GHz quad-core Intel Core i3 CPU with Intel UHD Graphics 630
- Toshiba TSB3225V81199TWNA1 flash storage (128 GB total)
- Apple APL1027 339S00604 T2 coprocessor
- Intel SR40E CM246 platform controller hub
- Intel JHL7540 Thunderbolt 3 controller
- Broadcom BCM57766 Gigabit Ethernet controller
- 338S00342-A0 (likely an Apple PMIC)
- And the backside holds even more:
- Murata 339S00458 Wi-Fi / Bluetooth module
- MegaChips MCDP2920A4 DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI 2.0 converter
- Cirrus Logic CS42L83 audio codec
- Texas Instruments 51916 memory power solution synchronous buck controller
- Texas Instruments CD3215C00 power controller x4
- Texas Instruments 58872D TI 881 A1L2 E4
- Intersil 95828A HRTZ X832QXH
- The last thing between us and an empty mini is the internal power supply!
- The linchpin holding this unit in place is a familiar one—so familiar that we follow our own repair guide to remove it.
- The power supply is a nice enclosed unit, making for safe, easy replacement.
- The only thing it's missing is a cute label.
- The mini power supply gets an upgrade from days past, jumping from 85 watts to 150.
- It appears we've maxed out our mini, feast your eyes on these cool components!
- Back in the day, a Pro Mac meant a computer you could upgrade, configure, and connect as you pleased. This new mini aligns so well with that ideal that we're surprised it didn't earn itself a 'Pro' title—especially compared to the increasingly closed-off MacBook Pro line.
- Perhaps the most exciting part of this mini is a return to upgradable RAM. In fact, our users are so excited they already made a RAM replacement guide. Stay tuned for the official guide and upgrade kits!
- No tough adhesive holds the Mac mini or its components hostage.
- Using fairly common tools, disassembly is straight-forward.
- The mini packs standard SO-DIMMs allowing both DIY upgrades and replacements.
- The CPU and storage are both soldered to the logic board and not user-upgradeable.
- If any of the many ports is damaged or worn, the entire logic board will need replacing.
Final Thoughts
Repairability Score
Repairability 6 out of 10
(10 is easiest to repair)
(10 is easiest to repair)
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